2 Chronicles 23
Meaning of 2 Chronicles 23
2 Chronicles Chapter 23 is a passage from the Christian Bible, in the Old Testament. It recounts the events leading up to and including the reign of Joash (Jehoash). Here’s a general overview:
In the years leading up to Chapter 23, the kingdom of Judah was ruled by atheistic leaders who had led the people astray. King Ahaziah had been killed, and his mother Athaliah seized power, killing all potential heirs to the throne. However, the baby prince Joash was saved by Jehosheba, his aunt, and was hidden in the temple for six years while Athaliah reigned.
The chapter begins with the High Priest Jehoiada deciding that it was time to end Athaliah’s reign and place Joash on the throne. Jehoiada formed a covenant with five military leaders, asking them to support young Joash and keep this plan a secret until the proper time. These leaders then spread the word amongst their men, creating a large force of loyal supporters to the rightful King.
Jehoiada then brought out Joash, gave him a copy of the covenant of God and anointed him as the true king in a ceremony. Meanwhile, Athaliah discovered the coup, she shouted “Treason”, but Jehoiada commanded not to kill her in the house of the Lord and had her executed outside of it.
After Athaliah’s death, the people destroyed the temple of Baal and killed its priest, marking an end to the worship of Baal in Judah, thereby returning Judah back to the worship of God.
Finally, Joash was installed as King of Judah, and peace came to the kingdom under Jehoiada’s guidance.
It’s important to note that these events are seen through the lens of faith and hold spiritual significance. It emphasizes the importance of loyal and godly leadership and marks the return to following the laws of God.
2 Chronicles 23 kjv
2 Chronicles 23 KJV is a chapter in the Bible, in the Old Testament. It details the story of the young Jehoash being crowned as king and overthrowing the oppressive queen, Athaliah. Here is a brief summary of the whole chapter:
In the earlier chapters, Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, seized the throne after the death of her son and ruled Judah. She ordered the execution of all potential royal heirs. However, Jehoash, her grandson, was saved through his aunt Jehosheba, and he was hidden for around six years in the house of God under the protective care of the priest Jehoiada.
In the seventh year, Jehoiada decided to act and called the captains of hundreds to the house of the Lord. There he made them swear fidelity to Jehoash and showed them the rightful king.
He then orchestrated a strategic plan to ensure that Jehoash would be protected during the Sabbath when the guards would be changed at the palace. This plan included dividing the Levites and all the people of the land into groups that would protect Jehoash, the house of the Lord, and also protect the kingdom from Athaliah.
Jehoash was then presented to the people and anointed as king. The people celebrated, making great noise and rejoicing.
When Athaliah heard this noise, she came to the people and saw Jehoash as king. In her anger, she cried out, “Treason, Treason”. At Jehoiada’s command, she was brought out and slain.
The chapter concludes with the people of Judah tearing down the temple of Baal and its altars and images, further establishing Jehoash as the rightful king. They also made a covenant to serve the Lord, signaling a return to faithfulness.
The chapter then ends by informing us that Jehoash was seven years old when he took over the throne in Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 23 nkjv
2 Chronicles 23 is a chapter from the Old Testament in the Bible. This chapter’s New King James Version (NKJV) narrative is about the overthrow of Athaliah, the reigning queen, and the crowning of the young King Joash.
Here’s a summary:
At the start, we find Jehoiada, the priest, taking a bold stand. Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, is ruling the land. She ascended to power by killing her own grandsons after her son’s death.
Jehoiada forms a covenant with military commanders and collects Levites and heads of Israeli families from all the cities. He shares a secret with them: Joash, one of Athaliah’s grandsons presumed dead, is alive. Jehoiada kept him hidden in God’s temple for six years.
Jehoiada plans a coup with the commanders. He arranges the troops to guard the king, the temple, and also to control the external gates. The plan is to depose Athaliah without allowing her followers to breach the temple.
In the seventh year, Jehoiada arms the men with the godly King David’s shields and spears. They surround Joash, and Jehoiada anoints him as the king. They clap, blow trumpets, and shout, “Long live the king!”.
Hearing the noise, Athaliah arrives and sees the crowned boy king. She tears her clothes, cries “Treason!” but Jehoiada commands her to be taken out of temple’s grounds and killed to avoid defiling the temple.
Jehoiada renews the covenant between the Lord, King Joash, and the people—so they will be the Lord’s people. The people then destroy the temples of Baal, break the altars and idols, and kill Mattan, Baal’s priest.
Finally, the people put Joash on his rightful throne; he was seven years old then. The city is quiet after Athaliah’s death. Thus, Joash begins his reign, guided by Jehoiada.
This chapter demonstrates God’s sovereignty, even against evil, and His ability to preserve a remnant for His purpose.
2 Chronicles 23 niv
Certainly! 2 Chronicles Chapter 23 in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible details a major turn of events in Judah’s history. The chapter tells of the events surrounding the overthrow of the wicked queen Athaliah and the crowning of Joash as king. Following are the main parts of 2 Chronicles 23:
1. An alliance to overthrow Athaliah: Jehoiada, the priest, unites with his fellow priests and Levites, including the royal guards, to overthrow the wicked queen Athaliah who had unlawfully taken authority over Judah. They form a covenant to put the rightful heir, young Joash, on the throne.
2. The crowning of Joash: Jehoiada brings out Joash, the rightful king who had been hidden in the temple since his infancy to protect him from Athaliah’s massacre, and anoints him as the king of Judah amidst great joy and the blowing of trumpets.
3. Athaliah’s death: Athaliah, hearing the noise, comes to the temple and sees Joash on the throne. She cries out “Treason! Treason!”, but Jehoiada instructs the commanders to take her out of the temple area and put her to death.
4. Reestablishment of the covenant and destruction of the Baal worship sites: Jehoiada makes a covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people that they will be God’s people. They go on to tear down the temple of Baal and destroy the altars and idols, killing Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.
5. The people and the land find peace: Joash, under Jehoiada’s guidance, sits on the throne of the kings of Judah. The people of the land rejoice, and the city remains quiet because Athaliah had been killed.
What is 2 Chronicles 23 all about?
2 Chronicles 23 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the Hebrew Bible. The chapter narrates the story of Jehoiada, the priest, who initiates a coup to overthrow Queen Athaliah, the wicked queen of Judah, and to place Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, as king.
The story begins with Athaliah reigning over the land after the death of her son Ahaziah. Unbeknownst to her, Joash, Ahaziah’s son, was rescued as an infant and hidden in the temple by Jehosheba, his aunt. Athaliah had ordered all royal heirs to be murdered to secure her power, but Jehosheba and Jehoiada had saved Joash from this terrible fate.
When Joash turns seven, Jehoiada arranges a covenant with the commanders of units of a hundred, the Carites and the guards, showing them the king’s son. He implements a plan where two-thirds of the people are within Jerusalem guarding the King’s palace, while a third surround the temple where Joash was supposed to be presented. This plan is carried out to prevent Athaliah from killing Joash.
Jehoiada gives the commands and assigns tasks to each group of men. Equipped with weapons that had belonged to King David, they execute the plan perfectly. Jehoiada brings Joash out, presents him to the people and anoints him as king. The people rejoice, and when Athaliah hears the noise, she enters the temple, screams “Treason” upon seeing the young king. Jehoiada orders her execution outside the temple, and she is killed.
Jehoiada then establishes a covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people that they would be the Lord’s people. The people go to the temple of Baal and destroy it, including its altars and idols, and kill Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars to symbolise their reinstated dedication to the Lord.
The chapter ends with Joash being placed on the throne, restoring the line of David, and the declaration of peace and rejoicing in the land. This chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership in adherence to the Lord’s commands and the downfall of unrighteous rulers. Jehoiada’s actions were pivotal in the restoration of the Davidic line to the throne and the covenant between the Lord and his people.
What does 2 Chronicles 23 teaches?
2 Chronicles 23 describes an important event in Judah’s history. The king of Judah, Ahaziah, was slain and his mother Athaliah seized the throne and ruled for six years. During her reign, she tried to wipe out all the other potential heirs, but Joash, Ahaziah’s son, was saved by his aunt Jehosheba and hidden in God’s temple for six years.
This chapter’s primary teaching is about the restoration of the rightful king, Joash, through the strength, faith, and courage of Johoiada the priest. This event is a strong reminder that God always a has plan, even in the midst of turmoil and chaos. Specifically, the principles and lessons expressed include:
1. God’s Sovereignty: Despite attempts to destroy the Davidic line, God intervenes and preserves it since a descendant of David, Jesus Christ would eventually be the Savior of mankind as promised in the scriptures.
2. The Importance of Righteous Leaders: Johoiada, the priest, was the true power in Judah during Joash’s reign, showing the importance of righteous guidance.
3. Faith and Courage: Jehosheba and Joash displayed immense faith and courage by protecting Joash and concealing him in the temple, demonstrating that God works through those who trust in Him even when they face dangerous circumstances.
4. Restoration of the Covenant: With the anointing of Joash, the covenant relationship between God and His people was restored, demonstrating how God is committed to His covenant and His promises.
A Sermon on 2 Chronicles 23
The chapter 2 Chronicles 23 highlights the story of king Johoiada’s coup against Athaliah to establish the rightful king, Joash. Athaliah, who was wickedly ruling, had almost demolished the Davidic line of succession by hunting down all royal heirs, but baby Joash had been hidden and protected in the temple by Jehosheba, Athaliah’s stepdaughter, and her husband, the High priest Jehoiada.
When Joash turned seven years old, Jehoiada felt it was time to reveal the rightful king to the people and overthrow the cruel queen Athaliah. He carefully crafted a plan, ensuring that the Sabbath’s changing of guards provided enough men to protect Joash without arousing suspicion.
The chapter demonstrates some key themes that could be used for a sermon:
1. The Sovereignty of God – Despite all the wickedness and chaos, God’s plan and sovereign will cannot be overthrown. He ensured the continuation of the Davidic line through Joash.
2. The Importance of Righteous Leaders – Jehoiada’s actions represent strong, godly leadership. He risked his life to preserve the line of David as he understood God’s promise to David about his descendants.
3. The Triumph of Good Over Evil – Athaliah’s rule is a metaphor for sin and unrighteousness. Jehoiada’s successful coup against her rule symbolizes the triumph of good over evil when one remains faithful to God.
4. Faith and Courage – Jehoiada’s courage and his faith in God enabled him to protect Joash and put him rightfully on the throne. This can inspire us to have the courage to stand up to unrighteousness and uphold God’s truth even when it is challenging.
5. The Role of the Church – The temple served as a refuge for King Joash, protected and raised him which mirrors the church’s role today: to protect and nurture believers, especially in times of spiritual peril.
Hence, a sermon from this chapter can focus on God’s sovereignty, the importance of righteous leadership, the eventual victory of good over evil, faith, and the function of the church.
Key people in 2 Chronicles 23
In 2 Chronicles 23, there are several key figures mentioned:
1. Joash: Also known as Jehoash, he was the sole surviving son of King Ahaziah after the coup by his grandmother Athaliah. He was hidden as an heir to the throne and later became the king of Judah.
2. Jehoiada: A high priest who protected Joash and orchestrated his ascension to the throne. He played a significant role in returning Judah to the worship of God.
3. Athaliah: The mother of Ahaziah and the daughter of King Ahab of Israel. After her son’s death, she executed all her grandsons to seize the throne herself. She is seen as a usurper and a source of evil influence.
4. Zechariah: A minor character mentioned, probably the husband of Jehosheba who assisted her in hiding Joash.
5. Jehosheba: The half-sister of Ahaziah who hid Joash when Athaliah ordered the murder of royal heirs. She was also the wife of Jehoiada.
6. The Levites and the Heads of Israel: These were the men of the tribes of Levi and the leaders of the families of Israel who were summoned by Jehoiada to help protect and crown Joash.
7. The Carites: They were royal bodyguards, some of whom guarded Athaliah when Joash was made king and others who helped protect Joash.
8. The People of the Land: These represent the general populous of Judah, whose outcry at the death of Athaliah signifies their approval of Joash as king.
Real world examples on 2 Chronicles 23
2 Chronicles 23 is a passage from the Bible that recounts the story of an uprising against the rule of a wicked queen, led by Jehoiada the priest to instate the young Joash as king. Let’s look at some ways it might resonate in real-world situations.
1. Overcoming oppressive leadership:
This situation often occurs in societies where leaders exploit their power for personal benefits without considering the interests of the public or their right to freedom and justice. For instance, the many uprisings and revolutions in history, both peaceful and violent, like the French Revolution or India’s non-violent struggle for independence, bear comparison to Jehoiada’s rebellion against the wicked Queen Athaliah to protect the rightful heir.
2. Guardianship and mentorship:
Jehoiada played the role of mentor and guardian to Joash, teaching him about God’s way and protecting him till he was ready to be king. This can be compared to instances where individuals step up to mentor and guide others who are in a position of vulnerability. This could be a teacher helping a student, a coach aiding an athlete, or even a business leader mentoring a startup entrepreneur.
3. Defending legacy and rightful values:
When Jehoiada helped Joash claim the throne, he was acting to safeguard the rightful lineage, the values of his religion, and the traditions of the kingdom. Similarly, in the real world, this can be seen in the efforts of indigenous communities who strive to protect their lands, cultures, and traditions from external encroachments.
While these examples are not exact replicas of the situations in 2 Chronicles 23, they represent similar themes of leadership, resistance, mentorship, and defense of rightful legacy.
Brief Explanation of 2 Chronicles 23
In 2 Chronicles 23, the narrative revolves around Jehoiada, the priest, who courageously led a revolution against Athaliah, the reigning queen of Judah who seized the throne unlawfully following the death of her son Ahaziah.
When Athaliah’s son Ahaziah died, she decided to kill all potential heirs to prevent them from taking the throne. But Jehosheba, Ahaziah’s sister, saved Joash (her nephew and Ahaziah’s son) from this massacre. Joash, the legitimate heir to the throne, was hidden in the Temple of God for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land.
After six years, Jehoiada arranged a coup, gathered support from the Levites and heads of Israelite families throughout Judah, and revealed Joash to them as the rightful king. Jehoiada made a covenant with them in the temple, and then, along with the people, he anointed Joash and proclaimed him king.
When Athaliah heard the noise and found Joash sitting on the throne, she called out “Treason! Treason!” Nonetheless, Jehoiada instructed the commanders to kill her outside temple grounds, preventing the temple from being defiled.
After Athaliah’s death, Jehoiada then led the people in a revival of their covenant relationship with God. The people tore down the temple of Baal and destroyed its altars and images, and Mattan, the priest of Baal, was also killed.
Finally, Joash, being only seven years old, was placed on the throne, signifying a new era of reform and renewal. People rejoiced and peace returned to the land, marking a significant turn for Judah.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Chronicles 23
1. Who was Athaliah?
– Athaliah was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel. She was the wife of Jehoram, king of Judah, and later, served as the queen mother for her son, Ahaziah. After Ahaziah died, she seized the throne and ruled as queen.
2. What is the significance of Jehoiada’s action in 2 Chronicles 23?
– Jehoiada the priest played a crucial role in staging a coup to overthrow Queen Athaliah. He protected Joash, the rightful heir, and educated him in the ways of God. His actions were pivotal in restoring the lineage of David to the throne and preserving the covenant made by God with David.
3. Who is Joash?
– Joash was the son of Ahaziah, who was hidden in the temple of God for six years under the protection of Jehoiada, to save him from Queen Athaliah. Joash became the king of Judah at the age of seven.
4. Why was Athaliah killed?
– Athaliah was killed to end her tyrannical rule. After her son Ahaziah was killed, she seized the throne herself, attempting to wipe out the whole royal family. Jehoiada, the priest, led a revolt against her to put Joash, the rightful heir, on the throne, resulting in Athaliah’s execution.
5. What is the significance of the covenant in 2 Chronicles 23:16?
– The covenant Jehoiada made was between himself, the people, and the king. The covenant was that they would be God’s people. This significant agreement reaffirmed their dedication to the Lord, signifying that they would follow and obey the Lord’s commands, rejecting idolatry.
6. How did this event impact the history of Judah?
– The events of 2 Chronicles 23 marked a significant turning point in the history of Judah. With Athaliah’s rule overthrown, God’s promise to David—that there would always be a descendant of his on the throne—was preserved.
Remember, interpretations can vary depending upon the particular faith tradition, these answers are based on a general biblical interpretation.
Possible References for 2 Chronicles 23
2 Chronicles 23 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible. It details the story of the revolt led by Jehoiada the priest, who aimed to put an end to the reign of Queen Athaliah and to throne Joash as the rightful king of Judah.
Here are some possible references within that chapter:
1. 2 Chronicles 23:1-3: Jehoiada gathers the captains of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and makes a covenant with them to proclaim Joash, the rightful heir of David, as the king.
2. 2 Chronicles 23:4-7: Jehoiada instructs these men on what to do to ensure the protection of Joash and the success of their plan which involves positioning their forces both inside and outside the Temple.
3. 2 Chronicles 23:8-11: Jehoiada carries out his plan. The men of Judah come to Jerusalem and seize Athaliah’s sons (except for Joash who was kept hidden). Jehoiada crowns Joash, amidst loud acclamations, and presents him with the statutes of the kingdom.
4. 2 Chronicles 23:12-15: When the queen hears the noise of the people, she comes to the temple and seeing the young king, she tears her clothes and shouts treason. Jehoiada orders her execution.
5. 2 Chronicles 23:16-21: After Athaliah is executed, Jehoiada reestablishes the covenant between the Lord and the people of Judah, and between the king and the people.
In general, 2 Chronicles 23 depicts an important transition in the leadership of Judah and represents a move towards more God-centered governance.
Conclusion on 2 Chronicles 23
Chapter 23 of the 2nd book of Chronicles in the Bible primarily details the overthrow of Athaliah, the reigning queen of Judah, and the enthronement of the rightful king, Joash.
In the conclusion of this chapter (verses 20-21), High Priest Jehoiada and the people took young King Joash down from the temple and into the palace, through the gate of the guards, led by a guard of honor. Once they reached the palace, Joash sat on the royal throne. With Athaliah eliminated and Joash enthroned, all the people of the land rejoiced. Following this, the city of Jerusalem achieved calm and peace after seven years under Athaliah’s tyrannical rule. It was a revolution that secured the Davidic line of kings from which the Messiah was prophesied to come.
This concluding part indicates that God’s plan cannot be thwarted even when it seems like unrighteousness is winning. It reinstates that the promise God made to David about his descendant always being on the throne still stood.